Family Child Care Learning Home
Applicant Services Information
The Applicant Services Unit is pleased to assist you through the licensure process.
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and processing times vary by application type. To avoid delays, please submit a complete application with all required information and supporting documents.
Incomplete applications may be returned, closed, or denied.
All applications must be submitted through DECAL KOALA. Email and fax submissions are not accepted.
To create a DECAL KOALA account, visit:
DECAL KOALA: https://www.decalkoala.com/Default
All required documents must be uploaded to your online application before it can be submitted for review. The table below lists documents commonly required for an initial application.
For general licensing questions, call Bright from the Start at 404-657-5562 and ask to speak with the Consultant of the Day.
Application Processing Times
- Child Care Learning Centers / Change of Location: Minimum 60 days
- Family Child Care Learning Homes: Minimum 45 days
- Change of Ownership: Minimum 45 days
Processing times begin after the application has been received, screened, and a confirmation email has been sent to the applicant.
Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) Licensing Requirements
If you plan to open a Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH), you must complete the FCCLH Licensing Orientation before submitting a license application. Orientation is required for all FCCLH applicants.
To register, visit the Georgia Professional Development System for Early Educators (GaPDS): https://gapds.decal.ga.gov
After logging in to GaPDS:
- Select Training from the menu.
- Click OLLI Trainings.
- Search for Family Child Care Learning Home Orientation.
- Complete the registration process.
You must create a GaPDS account before registering for the training.
Required Pre-Service Training
Before applying for an FCCLH license, applicants must complete Department-approved pre-service training.
Applicants should review the Family Child Care Learning Home Five Training Areas document and complete:
- Two hours of training in each of the five required topic areas
- A minimum of 10 total hours of pre-service training
- CPR and First Aid for Infants and Children (in-person)
All required training must be completed before submitting an FCCLH license application.
FCCLH Education Requirements
Applicants for a Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) license must have one of the following credentials:
Variance Option
Applicants who do not yet have one of the required credentials may request a variance when submitting their licensure application. If approved, the applicant must:
- Enroll in an approved credential program within six months of licensure, and
- Complete the credential within two years of licensure.
Financial assistance may be available through DECAL Scholars:
https://decalscholarships.com
Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) Application Requirements
To apply for a Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) license, complete the online application and submit all required documents listed below.
- Complete the FCCLH Licensing Orientation
- Complete Department-Approved FCCLH Pre-Service Training
- Submit an Online Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) License Application
- Include all required forms and supporting documentation.
- Provide Proof of Home Occupancy
- Copy of property deed, mortgage statement, or lease agreement.
- Homeowners Association (HOA) approval letter, if applicable.
- Landlord authorization letter, if applicable.
- Submit a Completed Criminal Record Check Acknowledgement Form
- Provide Zoning Approval
- Approval must be dated within the last 12 months and issued by the appropriate local agency.
- Submit a Completed Floor Plan
- Completed and notarized Affidavit for Lawful Presence.
- Front and back copy of the verification document used to complete the affidavit.
- Submit Fire Safety Documentation (if applicable)
- State or local Fire Marshal inspection.
- Certificate of Occupancy (CO).
- Provide a Building Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable)
- Provide Current CPR and First Aid Certification
- Provide a Current Water Bill
- The facility address must match the proposed FCCLH address.
- Provide Water and Sewer Documentation (if not connected to public water/sewer)
- Septic System: Current inspection dated within the last 12 months showing the system is in good working condition.
- Well Water: Current Environmental Health report dated within the last 12 months confirming the water is safe for drinking.
Important Notes
- It is the applicant's responsibility to determine whether new inspections or approvals are required and to submit updated documentation as needed.
- If using previously approved documents, written confirmation from the appropriate state or local agency must be provided.
- Applications that are missing required documents cannot move forward and will delay the review process.
Processing time begins only after the application has been received, reviewed for completeness, and assigned to an Applicant Services Unit (ASU) consultant.
Documents List